Air Risers

At 76, retired Colonel Vivek Mundkur, India's first hang glider pilot, defies age to fly a backpack paramotor after 17 years, reigniting his passion for flight and adventure.

Synopsis

In 2021, retired Army Colonel Vivek Mundkur, an experienced paramotorist and India's first hang glider pilot, defies age and doubt by embarking on a daring adventure. At 76, he sets out to fly a backpack paramotor, reigniting his passion for flight after a 17-year hiatus. Despite widespread concerns about the risks of undertaking such a demanding aerial sport at his age, Vivek finds unwavering support from fellow paraglider pilots.

Over the course of 16 months, Vivek meticulously prepares himself under expert guidance, honing his skills and rebuilding his confidence for a safe return to the skies.

As his comeback unfolds, the film explores ageing, resilience, friendship, and the overlooked history of Indian aerosports, paying tribute to a forgotten pioneer whose lifelong passion helped shape the country's early hang gliding movement.

Recognition

Air Risers was selected as one of the final 5 film projects in the Doc WIP Lab at NFDC Doc Film Bazaar 2024, held at MIFF 2024 in Mumbai, for an intense mentoring session with prominent industry editors and filmmakers.

Mentored by

Teaser

Director, Producer, Camera, Edit: Bidit Roy

Executive Producer: Swati Bansal

Music: Shaunak Kulkarni

Additional Camera: Sanchay Bose, Arjun Mundkur, Fahad Khan

Sound Design & Mix, Colorist, Graphics: Bidit Roy

This film holds a special place in my heart as it marks the moment I received my first award for a documentary film, presented by Vivek Mundkur at a 2019 film festival. His captivating recounting of his aviation journey and innovative spirit left me inspired. I was drawn to creating a film about India's first hang gliding pilot, but I aimed to avoid the clichés of a typical biopic.

In 2021, when Vivek announced his intention to fly again at 76 after a seventeen-year hiatus, I knew I had found the heart of our story. However, filming posed ethical dilemmas, especially considering the raw nature of paragliding/paramotoring. I prioritized Vivek's comfort and safety, giving him full control over equipment placement and flight decisions.

This film captures not just Vivek's journey but also the tight-knit paragliding community in India. The camaraderie among characters like Avinash, Dinesh, and Samson underscores the warmth and unity within this adrenaline-fueled world.